The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) believes the Batang Pinoy can play a pivotal role in the agency’s bid to ramp up sports tourism in the country.

PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said having these games boosts the local economy apart from having the athletes vie for medals.

The recent Batang Pinoy was held at General Santos City.

“Batang Pinoy is a perfect, classic, wonderful example of local sports tourism. Restaurants and hotels said that they hope Batang Pinoy happens monthly,” Gregorio said.

“Our income is good, our economic benefit is good. That is sports tourism. We did that so our countrymen can understand that sports is a business.”

With big events such as the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships and the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup happening this month, the PSC discussed with the respective national sports assocoations (NSAs) to ensure things will go on accrding to plan.

“We just had the interagency meeting the other day. After the press conference of AYG (Asian Youth Games), we went to Marriott because the gymnastics and the futsal groups are there as well as the government branches are there to support us,” Gregorio said.

“In the next few days, we will convene formally that committee so that we can identify all sporting events we can host. The important thing here, the NSAs should know, our colleagues in the Philippine Olympic Committee should understand, this is what we want to host. These are the events we can host in the Philippines.”

So far, the Philippines has hosted two major international events: Th FIVB Men’s World Championship and the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.